Chapter Text
While the wild wind howled in displeasure, You brought your knees to your chest. Hugging yourself to gain some sort of reserved comfort and to shield your body from the slight chill of the bitterness that the cold had brought. Shaking, You looked at the withering rose in your hand. Red. For love. But love had only made you bleed. Crushing the delicate flower, you eyes scanned the sky. You frowned as you watched the setting sun. Your mind was consumed with the agonising pain within your slow beating chest. Tears gathered in your eyes, you had never felt so used and betrayed. Sniffing, your body tensed as you heard footsteps approach. "You've been out here for two hours." A voice hummed softly as you heard the rustling of clothing as your older brother sat by your side at the balcony's edge. Placing his blue coat over your form, he looked at you with sorrowful eyes. "Come back inside, Vera. I don't want you to catch anything. I can make you some tea and I think I may have some chocolate in my office." You looked at him briefly with furrowed brows. You apricated his effort but his attempts to cheer you were in vain. He was slightly disappointed when your usual happy gaze did not meet his own. What was the worth of a smile if it truly meant? What was the worth of a heart that had been broken?
Rhian didn't like this look on you. The hurt and betrayal laced in your usually soft features was killing him. Normally, there would be a soft smile always radiating on your face but now? The look of utter defeat didn't suit you. You wrapped his coat further around you before resting your head on his shoulder. Your brother took your frail hand and squeezed it ever so gently in reassurance. "I want to watch the sunset..." You whispered in a moment of weakness. He followed your awe struck gaze. Despite everything that had just happened, he could still see the slight wonder in your eyes as the breaking of the day's end came into your view. It reminded him of when you were nothing more then a child.
When you were six and Rafal and Himself were in their early twenties. The two brothers would often take you to the rooftop of their new school to watch the sunrise and set everyday. Your younger self had enjoyed these little adventures in the morning and night. To look upon the sky was a wonder. There was once a time when Rafal had taken you up there alone and began balancing you on the roof. Throwing you and catching you taking the slightest bit of joy from your screams and giggles. It was safe to say, Rhain never let you go with him alone when he found out. Fearful the worst could happen. It wasn't like Rafal was taking in the dangerous that this... activity had. In truth, You had moved in with them due to their mother's demise. The nights and days were easier then. Rhain made sure your childhood was pleasant and presented you as an ever much to Rafal's dismay. Your days at school weren't so easy. You had earned yourself twelve fails in your first and second year. Luckily, Rafal was quick to cheat you out of these.
Then you grew and Rafal grew bitter about such a thing. How dare you grow so quickly? However, he was prideful and took great credit in your intelligence. You had grown into a beautiful young woman and easily represented what true beauty was. You had empathy, kindness and a good heart. Yet, you carried yourself with such a pose. You were the perfect Ever in Rhain's eyes. Many fell into a trance when they saw you. Your brothers, both good and evil, weren't practically fond of that. However, You had never ever shown any interest in the Princes' that wished to court you. No, instead, you were much more interested your arts. Magic. History. Mythical Animals. You became a professor in the school for good shortly after your days of learning finished. You taught many things. Giving both Princesses and Princes and equal running field. If a young princess wanted to ride a noble steed, you saw no fault in it. You would teach her. If a young prince wanted to learn about beautification? The same rule applied. You helped your older brothers whenever you could. Whether it was with the simplest of things or the grandest. Together, all three of you held a perfect balance and were an unstoppable force... that was until you fell head over heels for a young prince from the south.
Rhain thought back to when they had first met the 'dashing' prince. He was tall. Taller than Himself and his brother. This simple fact did not sit well with Rhain's brother in the slightest. Rafal would often slip shrinking potions into the prince's drink whenever he could. Rhain often scolded his brother for this but Rafal simply said that he was shrinking their unfortunate problem. The Prince's name was Edward and he had skin as pale as snow and auburn hair that was slightly curly. His eyes were green and gentle. At first glance he appeared the perfect guy for you. The first time the prince had met you, he didn't throw a rose like the others. He simply smiled and asked you how your day had been with a slight bow. He had offered you friendship and walked you to the library when he could. Often reading with you for company. Rhain liked that. To see you being treated with dignity and respect. It was much better then being fawned at. Rafal, on the other hand, still did not like the prince in the slightest. Not even after later impressions of the prince. However, Rhain had dubbed that down to his brother's infamous villain ways. Rafal had attempted to kill the young man on several occasions. Most of these... disasters had been stopped by Rhain, yourself or sheer good luck.
Just before Rhain could dig into his memories any further, You pulled him back into reality with the sound of a slight sob. "Why does it hurt so much?" You cried and dug your face into his shoulder. He turned round an held you in an embrace. Tightening your grip on your older brother, you listened closely to the words of reassurance he was offering your shaking form. He let you cry. He thought back to when you came into their office in tears earlier today. His brother left in such a rage that he didn't tell you both where he was going. Rhain looked down upon you and struggled to figure out what you were thinking. As Rhain stared, your grip on him loosened but the pain in your chest tightened. "Rhain?" He looked down and hummed to your call. "What's the use of a broken heart?" Your question caught him off guard as he tried to think of an appropriate answer. This.. this had never happened before. He whispered out a few things but you could barely listen. Breathing heavily, you made a decision that would change your life. For better or for worse.
000o000
Many years later, you placed a hand on a large stymph's beak. It cooed ever so softly. Smiling, you rested your head against the large animal. "Now go." You spoke softly, standing back five steps to see the glorious creature take flight. A shiver went down your spine as you took in the familiar surroundings with a slight smile. The gentle breeze but your nerves away and you let yourself relax. The smell of flowers attacked your senses and you unhooked your hood. You looked towards the School for Good at your front. It stood as tall and as proud as always. Golden rays of sunshine coated the castle's grounds. Then you turned your attention towards the school for evil and smirked. It too stood tall and proud but also held a certain charm to it. It was just as mysterious as you remembered.
"Excuse me?" A soft voice called from behind you. Eyes narrowing, you turned on your heel to meet the awfully confused gaze of a woman dressed in gold. You raised an eyebrow and smirked. She was smaller than you. Her skin was flawless and her blonde, that could have been mistaken for golden, hair was extremely curly and tied back. On her head sat a golden crown. Obviously, this woman was an Ever. She certainly looked the part. You noticed her brown doe eyes scanning you like you had done her. "I'm sorry but I do not believe I know your name." She began before straightening up. Remembering her manners, perhaps? "I am Professor Dovey, Dean for the School of good. Is there any way I could help You, Miss?" Her smile became brighter as she introduced herself. Her voice dripped with pride. She appeared to be waiting for you to tell her your name. Her bright smile never leaving her face. She reminded you of sunshine. You thought of her name. Dovey? You would receive letters from your brother saying how well inverse his new dean of good was. Clarissa Dovey. The name was pleasant.
You leaned over her slightly. "Dean of the school for good?" You hummed to yourself in deep thought. You remembered the one from ten years ago from the last time you visited the schools. You thought of the previous Dean for good. You were sure that she could turn you to stone if you looked upon her for too long. She had large owl like eyes that made you wonder if she was in fact a Never. Her well kept hair was a shade of grey and her skin was old and withered. "Well, at least you're a better sight to look at then the last old bat that came before you." You scoffed with a smile that mirrored hers. However, yours was so gentle that one could consider it to be soft. You quickly wiped your smile away. A shine came to her eyes and you turned your head away from the smaller woman ever so slightly. "I'm looking for the Headmaster. He told me he would be waiting in the library. Would you mind accompanying me? It's been a while since I have walked through these halls." A while would have been an understatement. Ten years ago was when you last visited but even then your visit was quick.
The younger woman wasted no time in nodding her head. Ready to help with anything she could. You smiled and bowed for her to lead the way. "You still have yet to tell me your name." The golden Dean said with a slight raise in her head. You could hear the curious tone she held. You smiled and followed her out of the gardens. You noticed some fairies eyeing your movements with dark gazes. You chuckled to yourself and shook your head. Silly creatures. Every time you would visit, they would give you the same 'threatening' gaze. "Well?" the woman by your side hummed, taking you out of your staring competition with the five fairies that had been watching you. Huffing, you gave her a side eye before looking forward once again.
You straightened up and sighed. Interest over took the younger woman as you looked at her. "My name is Vera." You hummed as you both made it to the doors of the Ever school. She seemed satisfied enough. Proud even. You simply rolled your eyes as she opened the door. She looked to you but you gestured for her to go on first. "How long have you been working here, Clarissa?" You asked curiously and watched as her face twisted in all sorts of confusion at the sudden change in topic before she realized what you had called her. When did she tell you her name? Appearing slightly offended, the smaller woman opened her mouth to ask you some questions. You had interrupted her just in the nick of time. "Easy now. Don't burst." You smirked. "I know your name from the Rhain's letters. When you had introduced yourself as Professor Dovey, It was easy to figure out." You watched as her emotions flashed in all sorts. Her puzzled gaze looked into your bored one.
The blonde woman simply furrowed her brows before shaking whatever she was thinking off. "I have been working here for...." She answered truthfully but with a smile of joy. You watched her closely, taking in whatever movements she made. She was a happy creature. Her smile never faltered. It was... almost cute. Almost. You could never fall for such a charm. Dovey thought to herself. Listening closely to the echoes of footsteps as you both walked through the halls. She wanted to ask you many questions. For one, she had no clue who you were or what you were doing here. All she knew was that your name was Vera and you were here to see the Headmaster. She couldn't help but wonder what he would want with you? A new teacher perhaps? But what about the Stymph? She had saw you with the large creature. That ghosting touch of softness you displayed, unknowing, that she had been watching you. She wondered and she thought. At first glance she believed you to be a never. With the way you dressed the option seemed pretty clear but that... moment of kindness.. it made her think. Nevers expressed other emptions surely but- She cursed herself for her train of thought. What was she thinking?
You noticed the younger woman as she thought desperately. "You know," You began, pulling her out of her daze. "You're thinking too hard. I think that the gears in that pretty head of yours might break. Do try to relax. I'm not gonna rip your little Ever heart out." You chuckled softly before sighing. The young professor seemed shocked at your words. "Are we almost there?" You asked after another few minutes of silence. Professor Dovey nodded and took you to a long high stair case. The walk up the stairs was long and taxing on the brain. Just then, The younger woman's gown caught under her shoes. She collapsed backwards with a yelp. Your hand caught her waist in a sudden panic. You pulled her towards you before letting her go as if she had burned you. Why would you do that?
The Dean's mind caught up with her as she stared in shock. "I- Thank you." She thanked. You stepped away from her and found yourself unable to say anything. "Who exactly are you?" She asked, going behind you, watching her steps with cation. You thought before shaking your head. You had already given her your name. She waited patiently for you to answer as you both finally made it to the library doors. You turned to look at her. Brown eyes met your own. Her eyes reminded you of sweet honey or perhaps... chocolate. The rich thick chocolate that Rhain always got for you. Professor Dovey sighed before looking at you with new found confidence. "I asked you a question. It would be most polite if you would answer it." She smiled brightly. Raising an eyebrow, You scoffed. Bold little ever, wasn't she? Didn't she know who you were? Did she not know who Vera Mistral was? The little blonde appeared to be waiting for you answer. Refusing to open the doors until you made your voice known.
You smirked and leaned down ever so slightly. "I told you my name? Isn't that enough for you, Ever?" You questioned. She went to speak but shut her mouth as quickly as she opened it. Her brows furrowed as you examined her. "Can you open the door now? or... Are you going to continue to stare at me like I'm the Queen of Hell?" You asked, she gawked before you before snapping out of it and opening the door for you. Giving her a wide grin, you gestured for her to go first. "Go on then." You urged the younger woman. She rolled her eyes as she picked up her many skirts and entered the library with a quiet huff. As you entered after her, you were greeted by the familiar sight of books and golden décor. Yourself and Dovey turned your heads towards the sound of tense voices. "Rhain." You sighed in relief as you saw your elder brother. He looked old. It was much too odd to you. He was beside a woman with short puffy red hair. She held a tight grip on the cane she was holding and her eyes were an emerald sea green. The woman held a slight frown to her lips as her face held a scowl towards your brother. "Rhain!" You called with a large genuine smile. The Professor by your side gave you a questioning look.
Rhain tensed before looking towards you with a raised eyebrow. "Vera?" He questioned with confused eyes. He loosen his posture realising it was indeed you. The redhead by his side shared a look with the Dean Of Good. A soft smile played on your brother's lips. You mirrored it. "You came home, sister." He walked towards you and enclosed you in an embrace. Sister? Clarissa looked at the red head like a deer caught in headlights. The school Master had a sister? "Lady Lesso," Your brother began, pulling away from your shared hug. The redhead looked at him with hints of disgust. "It appears are conversation must continue another time. I hope you won't mind closing the door on your way out." He finalized as he dragged you to the table in the middle of the library. The redhead looked towards you her eyes searching you for something. Then she looked towards Clarissa as the two made their way out of the room. The clinking of the redhead's cane echoed throughout the room. Once the two were out of sight, your brother spoke again. "Forgive her. Being dean of evil, she has her moments." He hummed as he sat beside you. "She's an interesting character." He finalized, turning his gaze to you expecting you to lead the conversation.
You chuckled and shook your head. "It would appear that both of your deans are." You said with a glint in your eyes.
Your brother smirked at the odd glimpse before sighing into a frown. A scornful look in overtook his eyes. "I know why you're here." He said. Both of you had played this dance for too long. "Why you accepted my invitation. You need new ideas on your...." He gestured to your chest. Your heart to be specific. "Problem." You tilted your head before shaking it with a tight lip. He raised an eyebrow and leaned back in his chair. He could have sent you on another little goose chase... then another and then another. "It's not often I'm wrong." He hummed thoughtfully. As if bitter or disappointed at the fact. It struck you as odd. However, ever since Rafal's death, Rhain had been... odd.
Taking in a deep breath, You looked him in the eye. "No, you just refuse to admit it." You smirked. You looked to your hands. They were shaking. Were you scared? You had to tell him. It was the main reason you had came, wasn't it? "I found it." The whisper fell from your lips. You couldn't meet his eyes. Yet you could feel the hurt in them. The unanswered questions. "I was travelling west." You began. "I came across many creatures. Some of which I have written about in my journal, I'll lend you it later. I continued on my travels, until I came across a witch." For a split second, your brother's gaze fell upon yours. You watched the concern drip from his eyes. He was speechless. Taken back. Almost disappointed that you had succeeded in your goal. "I asked her if she had any knowledge on mors sicut somnus. I needed that curse and she was no help. At the beginning." You hissed in explanation. "However, with a few gentle nudges... she gave her knowledge on the subject." You gave a slight sadistic grin as you remembered the fear in the old crone's eyes as her magic slowly slipped from her form. "I continued west. Until I found a cave. It was mid winter. Snow layered the earth like a blanket. I wondered inside. In the cave were, to my surprise, books. curses and potions. Spells of every kind. Just like the witch had said. There, I found it." You summarized briefly. "I preformed the curse a few days later... And it was done. I won." You hadn't realised you were crying. The dampness on your cheeks appeared to stain. You smiled widely as you a soft bitter chuckle left your lips. "I won." You repeated. Rhain remained quiet. Too overpowered by shock to do anything else.
He watched as you waited patiently for his response. "Vera.." He drifted, unable to speak his mind. You tilted your head as your brother continued. "You haven't won. This curse will kill you." Not if you didn't fall in love. Love was a feeling you had given up on. Love was the true enemy. Love is a weakness. Just like Rafal had said. Rhain rubbed his forehead. You brows stiffened as your lips grew thin. Trying to get rid off the heavy silence drowning the room. Was he not happy for you? This is what you wanted! He needed to realise that you were no longer a child. You were no longer the young care free happy little sister. Pain and sorrow were you only reoccurring friends. "What will you do now?" Rhain asked. Breaking the silence.
Looking at him, Your eyes softened. "That's why I'm here. I've already seen the world. I've had more then enough of it." You hummed, thinking back to your travels. Enough was enough. "Which is why I'm asking for my old job back I know more about mystical ancient spells and ruins then any other plumped face lunatic. I would be teaching both Nevers and Evers. Just like I used to. I want things to go back to how they used to be." You smirked with a lowered gaze. Nails drumming into the wooden table. Trying not to let on how desperate you truly were. "How things were before my happy ever after was torn away from me." You admitted with a slightly bitter tone.
An amused smirk played on his lips. "Very well then, Vera." he whispered in slight disbelief. "You may have your old job back.." He said before sighing. "Come, we have so much to discuss. I'd much rather to so after lunch." Standing, he offered his hand and you gladly accepted. His eyes widened ever so slightly as he saw a silver ring with red stone attached on your middle finger. "You still wear his ring?" His voice was low. As if even mentioning the object was a curse.
You nodded. "He was our brother." You whispered out your response. "Our blood. I will wear his ring as I please." You scowled. Rhain nodded. Rhain shrugged, deciding not to dwell on the matter. "I miss him." You admitted so lowly that he nearly missed it. Your brother froze and looked back towards you with a raised eyebrow. You fiddled with the ring before sighing. You shook your head as you scoffed. "Let's go for lunch... I'm famished." you said as your brother fell in line with your footing. His arms clasped around his back as he thought to himself.